The book says that the first step in losing weight is detoxification, to remove toxic overload from the body. Toxins stored in fat cells are difficult to get rid of through dieting alone. You must first detoxify the body. Thus, the most effective weight-loss programs should focus on both fat loss and detoxification, which lead to overall improved health and wellness. Raw greens can heal the body. You will detoxify your body through elimination of certain foods for ten days and reprogram your taste buds to desire healthy, nutrient-rich foods. The author states that after you complete the cleanse, you will never have to count calories or follow complicated or expensive meal plans or measure food again, as your body will naturally crave and desire healthy, natural foods.”

I opted to do a Full Cleanse, where I ‘eat’ only smoothies, snacks and water/herbal tea for 10 days.

Today I am on Day 10 and even though the experience has been eye-opening and great (losing 5.5 kg/12 lbs in 10 days, my skin has never-seen-before glow, my hair is stronger and fluffier, sleeping whole 8 hours everyday, feeling energized), I am now ready to go back eating wholefoods again.

With every challenge, I like to reward myself with a little something for accomplishing it. For this one, I have decided to break the cleanse tomorrow with making my favorite Indonesian food of late, Pampis Cakalang Pedas (Spicy shredded fish Manado style), this dish is also referred to Ikan Suwir Rica-Rica

This dish can be made with any kind of fish in the market, though I tend to go with fish from the sea with some good oil in them (have tried with tuna/maguro, salmon, mackerel/saba, amberjack/buri). Traditionally in Manado they use the ubiquitous fish there called “Cakalang” (skipjack tuna in English, or katsuo in Japanese). Lucky for me living in Japan, katsuo is very easy to come by, and therefore I can easily make this dish as often as I like!

Without further ado, let me introduce you to the wonder of Pampis Cakalang Pedas. Bon Appetit!